March 27, 2007, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills -- Flossing is a pain. Sure we feel a twinge of guilt when the dentist asks about our flossing habits but, otherwise, it's easy to rationalize not taking that extra step.
All the brushing in the world can only go so far. Flossing gets to those hard-to-reach surfaces. It removes plaque and food debris that stick to the teeth and crevices in between the teeth. It polishes our tooth surfaces and helps eliminate bad breath.
In some ways, flossing is more important than brushing. It's the single most powerful weapon you have against plaque. Daily flossing decreases your chance of gum disease.
And on, and on, and on.
Even if you floss regularly, using the wrong technique will only solve half the problem.
Consider this your primer for proper flossing methods.
WHICH TYPE OF FLOSS IS BEST?
Waxed, unwaxed, flavored, unflavored, wide, regular...style matters little as all types of flosses will clean and remove plaque.
Wide floss is more commonly known as dental tape. It may be the best selection for those with bridgework and is recommended when you have wide spaces between teeth.
Waxed flosses are easier to use for teeth with little space between them. Unwaxed flosses, however, squeak to let you know when your teeth are clean.
Bonded, unwaxed floss doesn't fray as regularly as unwaxed floss, but it does tear more than waxed floss.
FLOSSING TECHNIQUES
Spooling : Cut off an 18-inch piece of floss and gently wind most if it around your middle finger. Wind the rest around the middle finger of your other hand to serve as take-up for the unusable floss.
Slip the floss in-between your teeth in a "C" shape, maneuvering it back and forth several times. Make sure you go below the gum line.
Looping : The loop method is best suited for children or those who have trouble using their hands. Once again, create a loop with an 18-inch piece of floss and tie it securely with three knots. Put all your fingers, except the thumb, inside the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the loop through the lower teeth and your thumbs to reach the upper teeth. Make sure you go below the gum line.
WATERPICKS
Although waterpicks can be useful, they're no substitute for brushing and flossing. Waterpicks are most useful if you have braces as they reach areas your toothbrush can't reach. While waterpicks can't remove plaque they are useful for those who have a gum disease.
LEARN MORE
Call top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about proper flossing techniques.
Copyright © 2007 Sinai Marketing, Inc. and Dr. Anthony Mobasser. All rights reserved
